Trade policy targets remote Australian territory, sparking satirical protest profile with thousands of followers
The latest round of tariffs announced by former United States President Donald Trump has unsettled global markets and caused quite a surprise. Among the targets of the protectionist policy is an uninhabited Australian territory, home only to penguins and seals.
The territory in question is Heard Island and the McDonald Islands, one of the most remote regions on Earth, accessible only after a two-week sea voyage from Perth on Australia’s west coast. Despite its lack of human residents or exportable goods, the Trump administration imposed a 10% tariff on products originating from the area.
Though its only “residents” are wild animals incapable of producing goods for export, the decision prompted humorous reactions. On social media, a profile named @PenguinsAgainstTrump emerged, presenting itself as a collective of penguins protesting the policy. With a sarcastic tone, the account has already amassed over 72,000 followers on Threads.
“We don’t know why we were taxed. We love fish and hate fascists,” reads the bio of the page. Posts maintain a similarly irreverent tone, featuring messages like: “What are you going to do, deport us? We’ve been dealing with ICE for centuries.”
The initiative has caught the attention of U.S. political circles. Former vice-presidential candidate and current Minnesota Governor Tim Walz mocked the situation, stating that Trump “picked an enemy he thinks he can beat: an island of penguins.” The activist account responded with a formal thank-you: “Thank you for acknowledging the struggles of the average penguin.”
Dead 💀 pic.twitter.com/HfMBbLTR0z
— David Leavitt 🎲🎮🧙♂️🌈 🔜 #PaxEast (@David_Leavitt) April 4, 2025
Source and images: Indy 100 / X @David_Leavitt. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
